High-frequency bus routes to benefit passengers

A new 'super bus' service - part of a $7 million annual commitment from the Liberal National Government to improve Perth's bus network - will make it easier to travel between Mirrabooka and Curtin University.

Transport Minister Bill Marmion welcomed Transperth's latest high-frequency route, the 960, as it hit the road for the first time this morning.

"The State Government is committed to ensuring our public transport services work smarter, make people's lives easier and get them where they want to go without unnecessary delay," Mr Marmion said.

"This is being achieved through new bus priority lanes and signalisation changes, as well as consolidating multiple bus routes into high-frequency services such as the 960."

The 960 replaces Routes 885 and 888, and operates an all-stops service between Mirrabooka and Curtin via Alexander Drive, the new Perth Busport and Victoria Park Transfer Station, with a five-minute frequency between Curtin and ECU Mount Lawley during peak periods.

"The 960 service was made possible by an additional State Government investment of $1.4 million in new bus lanes along Fitzgerald Street, and complements Route 970, another high-frequency service being launched today," the Minister said.

Route 970 will operate an all-stops service between Mirrabooka and Perth Busport via Flinders Street, with a five-minute frequency during peak periods, 10 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes on weekends.

The Government has also invested in bus priority lanes on Mounts Bay Road ($3 million) and Beaufort Street ($7.7 million) in conjunction with local government ($6.5 million).

Construction is progressing on new bus route projects on Ranford Road and the Charles Street bus bridge and busway.

Fact file

• Route 960 will travel more than 1.35 million kilometres a year
• The 960 and 970 join Transperth's growing network of high-frequency services, consisting of 910, 930, 935, 950 and 990
• When it opens in 2017, the $32.1m Charles Street bus bridge and busway will further streamline access to Perth Busport
• For more information, visit http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au